In all honesty the transition from Ecuador to Peru was ROUGH. We had our time in Ecuador extended due to riots in the cities. We stayed with the Dunamis foundation for longer than expected but we each were safe, had a roof over our head, and water to drink. Seems like we should have been content, right? I’m guessing because we were all jammed in a small room sleeping side by side on a plywood floor that altered our emotions a little. Our wonderful leaders tried to keep all of our spirits up with little activities. One night we had a bonfire and listened to some throwbacks and laughed until we cried. Another night we worshiped on a roof, overlooking the lights of Quito, a town we had come to love. We also started a 24 hour prayer time, that we each agreed to wake up or stay up weird hours to pray over our other home that was in trouble. The time on the mountain was crucial but also rewarding, which at times was hard to see. When the riots were cleared and we had the OK to leave we made our way to Peru. Our first stop was in Baños where we had a slight break to decompress and enjoy a bed and a quaint town to adventure off in. I was a little nervous realizing how close we were getting to this next chapter in our missions trip. I knew I would miss each beautiful soul I’d come across, each ministry day, and the routine I had come to love. I kept the Lord closer at this time, I prayed and prayed for strength and an easy transition. As we made our way to Peru it was a bumpy road…. literally we were in a bus for 30 or so hours. The bus was very luxurious and fed us all three meals but for some reason I just couldn’t appreciate that God was literally providing EVERYTHING. We arrived in Lima, Peru on the 20th and could finally take a deep breath in.. WE MADE IT! The morning after I had a sudden urge to get up and go for a run, that run had lead me to the beach only 8 blocks from our loft. Once I finally got to the coast I felt such a relief, that I was finally at ease with it all. I sat on the pebble beach and watched the waves come in and worshipped God, FINALLY for giving me this path. In my time on this race I have fought with all the emotions but through it all I’ve gained so much love and support through strangers whom turned into sisters and brother. I’m at awe with this trip so far, stay tuned for my last couple of weeks here.
